1757 Frederick Ii Great Battle Of Prague Bronze Medal

1757 bronze medal commemorating Frederick the Great's victory at the Battle of Prague during the Seven Years' War.

This large 48mm and heavy 41.34g solid bronze medal was designed by famed Dutch medallist Johann Holtzhey (1729-1808) to celebrate the Prussian victory of the Great Battle of Prague 6th May 1757. The Prussian victory came in the early phase of the Third Silesian War, and this medal is perfect for a collector of military history.

Obverse: right-facing, half-length portrait of Frederick the Great in armour, wearing a wreath of oak leaves, his hair tied back and falling over his shoulder. The legend reads ‘FRIDERICVS MAGN. D. G. REX BORVSS. EL. BRAND. DVX SILES ET’. Translated, this identifies Frederick as King of Prussia, Elector of Brandenburg and Duke of Silesia (etc.)

Reverse: winged figure of Victory, lightning bolts extending from her right hand and captured weaponry, armour and cannon at her feet. In her left hand she holds a shield bearing the words ‘VICTORIA FRIDERICI MAGN’ - Victory of Frederick the Great’. She’s in the act of kicking the crown off the kneeling figure of the Holy Roman Empress, Maria Theresa, Frederick’s most significant rival. The legend above the scene translates as ‘fame, wisdom and courage’.